By Simbarashe Sithole
Citizens Against Economic Sanctions Zimbabwe (CAES) has expressed their sadness following the passing on Ambassador Victor Matemadanda who passed on weekend after a short illness.
In a statement CAES acting director Ellison (Samuriwo) Muchenje extended the condolence message to the President, family friends and colleagues.
“Following the passing of Ambassador Matemadanda as CAES we would like to extend our deepest condolences to His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa whom he represented with dedication in Mozambique and Eswatini and to his family,friends , colleagues and the nation at large.
May his soul rest in peace,” CAES said.
A veteran of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, Matemadanda was one of the country’s most recognisable war veterans and played a prominent role in national politics for many years.
He rose to become secretary-general of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association, where he emerged as a key voice on issues affecting Hand-off liberation fighters.
In 2019, he was appointed Zanu-PF Political Commissar, succeeding retired army general Engelbert Rugeje.
His political career was marked by both influence and controversy. In 2016, he was expelled from Zanu-PF after publicly criticising former president Robert Mugabe.
He returned to political prominence following the events of November 2017 that ushered President Mnangagwa into office.
Matemadanda later served as Deputy Minister of Defence and War Veterans Affairs before leaving government in 2021.
Following his departure from government, he was appointed Zimbabwe’s ambassador to both Mozambique and Eswatini, a diplomatic role he held until his death.